The hydrogen economy is gaining traction, and East Midlands Airport (EMA) is ready to embrace it. The airport is part of a ground-breaking partnership that aims to propel the East Midlands into a sustainable future powered by hydrogen. Dubbed “East Midlands Hydrogen,” the alliance is set to provide a new 100% hydrogen pipeline that promises to bring economic and environmental gains to the region.
The Powerhouse Partnership
The East Midlands Hydrogen partnership will be officially launched on Friday, September 22. The event features key players such as D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Cadent, Uniper, Toyota, Midlands Engine, and East Midlands Freeport. The venture aims to connect supply and demand through the hydrogen pipeline, bridging the gap between production and consumption.
The Economic and Environmental Impact
A forthcoming PwC report reveals that developing a full hydrogen supply chain in the East Midlands could result in £10 billion Gross Value Added (GVA). It could also create or retain up to 110,000 jobs by 2050. Moreover, the environmental implications are equally impressive. Carbon savings across 70 industrial sites in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire could reach up to 1.9 million tonnes annually. This is comparable to eliminating the gas-related carbon emissions from 860,000 homes.
Aviation’s Hydrogen Future
East Midlands Airport sees a burgeoning interest in the utilization of hydrogen within the aviation sector. By 2050, EMA estimates daily demand for around 700,000 liters of liquid hydrogen. This aligns with the global aviation industry’s target to achieve net-zero emissions by the same year.
Adam Freeman, Head of ESG and Environment Strategy at EMA, states, “The UK aviation industry has set out a bold commitment, the first in the world to commit to net zero by 2050. As part of that, we see several measures that help to remove carbon from flying. We can see hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing flight through hybrid electric, hydrogen propulsion, and direct combustion of hydrogen.”
EMA’s Commitment to Net Zero
As the UK’s largest dedicated air cargo hub, handling over 400,000 tonnes of goods annually and serving 4.5 million passengers, East Midlands Airport employs more than 8,000 people. The airport is committed to driving economic value while targeting net zero carbon operations by 2038.
The Launch Event
The official launch of the East Midlands Hydrogen partnership will take place at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd in Burnaston, Derby. Stakeholders will gather to discuss and showcase the plans to harness the hydrogen opportunity in the region. This event offers a glimpse into a future where sustainable energy isn’t just a dream but a reality.
In summary, East Midlands Airport is not just an aviation hub; it’s becoming a catalyst for change. As part of the East Midlands Hydrogen partnership, the airport plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s hydrogen future.
With the launch of this pioneering hydrogen initiative, the East Midlands sets the stage for a greener, more prosperous future. Stay tuned for more updates as this ambitious project unfolds.